PARTY IN THE PARK

Party in the Park began as a City-wide celebration centering on the Fourth of July. Phyllis McQuaid was a driving force, and she gave it its name as well. It was organized by a group of volunteers, and the City was not involved with the planning other than the obtaining of permits, etc.

Its first year was 1980, and it was held at Aquila Park.  It featured food, a band concert, a kiddie carnival, a parachutist, and a parade over two to three days. Each year, VFW Post 5632 sponsored fireworks on the Fourth of July, as they had since 1952.

On July 3, 1980, Mayor Phyllis McQuaid and the City Council sponsored Pioneer Night at Knollwood Mall. Invited were the city’s 50 year residents – “Pioneers in the Park.” On the 4th, conditions were too windy for hot air balloon ride, but three out of four skydivers from the Fall Company hit their marks. A 10K run attracted more than 300 runners, with Park residents breaking the tape in the men’s and women’s categories.

Jim Rhodes was the Chairman of the 1981 celebration. A featured entertainer was guitarist Peter Lang, who performed at a carnival at Knollwood. Also entertaining was the Shakey’s Banjo-Keyboard Band. A 5,000 meter and 10K run were planned. The “Pioneers in the Park” recognition ceremony featured the St. Louis Park Community Band and a barbershop quartet called “Something Else.”

In 1982, the hot air balloon The Phoenix drew a crowd to Carpenter Park, including 90-year-old Bertha Townsend, who remarked that she wished the balloon had gone higher. Entertainment at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner at Knollwood was provided by the newly-formed Community Chorus, the St. Louis Park Community Stage Band and the Recycled Teenagers, a senior citizens dance group. An Olde Town Picnic was held at Jorvig Park, sponsored by the St. Louis Park Historical Society, and featuring the Twin Cities Harmonica Society. City and School staff played their “Town Versus Gown” softball game, with the City winning 10-2. (The school team was spared a more humiliating defeat by a rule allowing no more than 5 runs per inning.) Another activity was a street dance in the parking lot behind City Hall. Performances by the Community Theater were sponsored by Party in the Park. Fireworks were at Aquila Park. Other events were a 10K and a “fun run.”

In 1983, weather conditions were not right for the hot air balloon, but kids could get a peek inside. On July 4, Mark Nachbor won the 10K run. The City took on the Schools in a “town versus gown” softball game, with the City winning 7-2.

The 1984 celebration was held on July 3-7, and besides the annual fireworks, featured hot air balloons and a team of skydivers called the Fall Guys. Athletics were featured, including a fun run and 10K event. There were also tournaments in softball, baseball, tennis, and sand volleyball. The community band played, the Lions Club Clowns entertained, vintage cars were displayed at Jorvig Park, and a Recognition Night was held at Knollwood Mall.

The 1985 edition of Party in the Park was held from June 29 to July 7. Co-chairmen were Lyle Hanks and Jim Rhodes. Again one of the big features was the Fall Guys, but it was an almost-rainy day, and the wind knocked three of the divers off course. One landed in the crowd, one at Meadowbrook Golf Course, and one in Hopkins. Despite rain, the fireworks went on as scheduled, lasting for 45 minutes. The High School hosted a drum and bugle corps competition on July 5, won by the Minnesota Brass.

The 1986 fireworks marked the 32nd year that the VFW had sponsored fireworks in St. Louis Park. In addition, the program included a Beep Ball Invitational Tournament, a Big Wheel Contest, a concert by the Community Band, other concerts and dances, and a tennis tournament. The Rotary Club purchased a Showmobile for the City, which had been renting one owned by Edina.

The 1987 celebration was held on July 1 – 6, and featured carnival rides, fireworks, and much music by the White Sidewalls, the Flames, and the Northern Dixie Ramblers Band.

In 1988, the festival was held from June 28 to July 5, and Candy Johnson served as Chairperson. Attractions included a kiddie carnival, plays, a picnic, and a concert by the Minneapolis Chamber Symphony.

In 1989 the celebration was held from June 28 to July 4, and featured the Buffalo Skydivers, the community band, a kiddie carnival at Aquila Park, Log Rolling by the Fischer Bros. Log Rolling Show, a Big Band concert at Oak Hill Park, a teen pool party and dance, and an ice cream social at the Depot. Candy Johnson served as Chairperson.

The 1991 Party in the Park Chairperson was Bonnie Blumberg. That year’s festivities included a parade, antique car show, carnival, bands, and of course, fireworks.

Bud Kraehling was the Grand Marshall of the parade held on July 1, 1992. There was a Bernie’s Super Valu Baseball Contest (ages 5-6) held at Carlson Park. Other activities were a carnival at Aquila School, a car show at Walser Ford, live music, a “Teach-in on Declaration of Independence and Constitution.” And fireworks at Aquila Park.

1993 saw the first annual All-City Talent Show. Other events were a fashion show at Knollwood, parade, fireworks at Aquila Park, arts and crafts festival at Miracle Mile, and music by the Wolf Pack and Sneakers & Tight Shoes.

1994 was kicked off by a parade on June 29, and events ran through July 4. Events included fireworks at Aquila Park, music by the Del Counts, and the Second Annual All-City Talent Show.

1995 activities included many Senior Olympics events: horseshoes, basketball and horse, billiards, and table tennis. The Minnesota Shakespeare Co. presented “The Twelfth Night” at Oak Park Village. Also at Oak Park Village were a carnival, petting zoo, All-City Talent Show, senior royalty coronation, and music by Sneakers and Tight Shoes. The Miss St. Louis Park pageant was held Sheraton Park Place Hotel on June 29, and was followed by a dance.

Party in the Park was replaced by Parktacular in 1997.

 

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.